Environmental impact of ship hull repair

摘要

This study presents an environmental analysis of a number of cutting and joining processes taking place during the ship hull repair. These processes include oxy-acetylene cutting, plasma arc cutting, shielded metal arc welding, flux core arc welding and submerged arc welding. The processes are modelled in terms of their environmental impact. The environmental-related inputs and outputs of each process are elaborated with a life cycle assessment tool. The impact on various aspects, such as human health, resource depletion etc., is assessed by the 'environmental priority strategy (EPS)' and the 'Eco-Indicator 99' impact assessment methods. Based on the results, a benchmarking of the cutting and welding processes is performed, in terms of their environmental impact.